For some, a charming Bed & Breakfast is all you need for a perfect getaway. Somewhere quaint, with character and blissful views of rolling hills – can you picture it now? We most certainly can. 

And we know exactly where we’ll be heading on our next staycation, because Europe’s best B&Bs has just been named, and the winner is right here in England.

TripAdvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Awards honours hotels around the world, judging them on the quality and quantity of reviews and opinions specific to a number of categories, including Top Hotels, B&Bs and Inns, Luxury, Small Hotels and Value for Money.

And this year, there’s one very special place, nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, which has come out on top.

The Old School in the tiny village of Little Compton, near Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds has been named the best Bed & Breakfast in Europe, and fourth in the world. 

Previously a Victorian schoolhouse built in 1854 by the local brewery, The Old School has been “sympathetically converted” to retain many of its original features and decorated in the historic yet luxurious style we know you’re already picturing. 

Guests can pick between four en-suite rooms and can enjoy beautiful, private sitting rooms which feature dramatic, Tudor-like black beams and stained-glass windows.

After closing as a nursery in the late Nineties, owner Wendy Veale masterfully renovated the building and was keen to make food a large focal point of her new venture, having previously worked as a food stylist for TV shows and magazines.

Indeed, The Old School serves up a decadent spread. Offering not only hearty breakfasts and four-course dinners but even picnic hampers for those looking to explore the surrounding countryside.

Speaking to Country Living, Veale regaled the passion she’s poured into her project, and the pride she feels in doing so.

“As other worthy B&B owners will know, it’s a jolly hard job, requiring stamina and a big smile and I do it with pride, welcoming guests from all corners of the world ‘back to school’, our lovely home here in the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England,” she said.

She also noted how important she thinks it is to show her guests the meaning of true, English hospitality, which we’re delighted to hear means lots of cake.

“I have lived in the Cotswolds for over 40 years now and enjoy showcasing our outstanding countryside, ensuring our guests day starts and ends experiencing true traditional English hospitality - always lots of cake involved!”, she added. 

On TripAdvisor the listing has received 723 reviews, of which an impressive 97% are excellent, giving The Old School a perfect 5.0 score.

Reviewers described the B&B as “exceeding every expectation” and “a beautiful house set in picturesque countryside with a perfect hostess”.

One TripAdvisor user said, “The Old School House has a wonderful relaxing atmosphere and was a fabulous place to celebrate a friends birthday. The owners Wendy and John were most hospitable and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble.”

Another agreed, “From the moment we arrived, we felt at home, comfortable and were pampered beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before at any hotel, anywhere!”

Rooms with double/ twin occupancy, along with breakfast choice and afternoon tea, are available for £135 a night.

If you’re curious to see the other B&B’s that deserve your attention, take a look at the full list of Europe’s best rated below:

1.The Old School Bed and Breakfast, Little Compton, UK

2. Bindon Bottom B&B, West Lulworth, UK

3. 34 Argyle Street Guesthouse, St. Andrews, UK

4. Locanda dell’ Artista, San Gimignano, Italy

5. The 25 Boutique B&B, Torquay, UK

6. Creston Villa Guest House, Lincoln, UK

7. Huis Koning, Bruges, Belgium

8. Creevagh Heights, Carrowmore-Lacken, Ireland

9. Chateau de Balazuc, Balazuc, France

10. Guesthouse 1x6 , Keflavik, Iceland

Looks like we can leave our passports at home for our next holiday, and just head straight to one of these gorgeous bed & breakfasts right on our doorstep. 

Images: iStock / TripAdvisor